Blog Posts by FourGreenSteps.com

Written by Melanie Kozlan, Four Green Steps.com

The Cancer Project has began a new campaign comparing hot dogs to cigarettes based on new research stating that eating a hot dog a day can increase your cancer risk by up to 21%. The Cancer Project is aiming to inform consumers of the dangers of preservatives found in processed foods, especially in processed meat.

From the Cancer Project:

An NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study found that processed red meat was associated with a 10 percent increased risk of prostate cancer with every 10 grams of increased intake. A study in Taiwan showed that consumption of cured and smoked meat can increase children's risk for leukemia. A study in Australia found that women's risk for ovarian cancer increased as a result of eating processed meats.

watermelon

Written by Madiha Boolani, Four Green Steps.com

According to a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition, arginine present in watermelons helps reduce weight. Composing of 6% sugar and 94% water by weight, the fruit helps oxidise fat and glucose and increases lean muscle, burning more calories as compared to fats.

So are you having watermelon for dessert today? Try some of these amazing recipes from Oprah.com

Cristina Ferrare's Watermelon Salad

Ingredients

• 1 seedless watermelon (5 to 6 lbs.)
• 6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• Greek feta cheese cut into 12 pieces, each 1/2 inch thick and 1 3/4 inches wide
• 1 small red onion sliced thin
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup micro greens (optional)
• One bottle (16.9 ounces) balsamic vinegar

Directions

1. Make the balsamic syrup first: pour the whole bottle into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower heat to medium-high and continue to boil until the vinegar

More recipes at Four Green Steps.com

Ingredients:

• 1 stalk of thinly chopped celery
• 1/2 a small onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup torn spinach
• 1 cup cooked elbow macaroni
• 2teaspoon pepper
• 2 diced tomatoes
• 3 cups of water

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, saute garlic, celery & onions until soft. Add the rest of the ingredients (except spinach and macaroni)) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
2. Mix in macaroni and spinach, heat until noodles are soft, and add pepper to taste.

Written by Melanie Kozlan, Four Green Steps.com

Have you ever avoided chopsticks because you have trouble using them and end up looking silly/ get too hungry to waste time struggling? Opting for a fork won't just save you time, it can also save the environment! Disposable chopsticks have become a serious issue in China, as they reportedly waste up to 130 million pairs of Chopsticks daily- equivocal to 100 acres of destroyed forest everyday (Greenpeace). Luckily, chopsticks can be fun to upcycle and offer endless crafting possibilities. You can use them to create picture frames, art, designs, and a variety of other DIY projects. It's best to store some away for when they might come in handy. BuyGreen has some adorable products made from upcycled chopsticks, perfect for a gift or craft inspirations.

Written by Mallory Bouchard

For those of us that live in seasonal climates, the summer is the perfect time to be more eco-friendly. The spring brings wonderful greenery that lasts through the whole summer for us to enjoy, so why not join the great outdoors and become greener yourself. There are many easy, fun and simple things you can do to make your summertime as green and eco-friendly as possible.

Go outside!

Head to a park, beach, go for a walk or run, find local outdoor festivals, go camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, or play an outdoor sport, the list can go on and on. Find anything that will get you outside and in touch with mother nature. Even just sit outside in your backyard and enjoy the summer weather. We spend most of winter inside, so take advantage of the glorious summer days and nights. You'll find yourself a little rejuvenated from spending time outside and away from the dreary indoor lighting.

Grow your own vegetables

If you have the

Written by Melanie Kozlan, Four Green Steps.com

Making your own lunch for work or school is generally healthier for you (as long as your not filling your lunch box with these Sludge candy bars...) and can save you over 1000$ a year! Here are some of our favourite lunch ideas that take seconds to make. Check out more recipes for Meatless Monday in our Vegan & Vegetarian recipe section!

VLT

Veggie Wraps

Mediterranean Lettuce Wraps

Hummus Wrap

Written by Madiha Boolani, Four Green Steps.com

TOO hot? Don't own an air-conditioner or energy bills too high? No worries. Read on to find out how to beat the heat this summer!

1. Close your windows: Yup, you heard it right. Close your windows, blinds and curtains before the morning sun to prevent your house from getting hotter. Keep windows open at night to allow the cool night breeze to ventilate your home. Line potted plants near the window sill so they absorb most of the suns energy filtering in though the windows.

2. Make use of fans: Ceiling fans should be put on when you enter a room. Make sure they are running in the right direction and allowing the breeze to flow down. Place stand alone fans right in front of you and spray with spritz bottle to keep yourself cool

3. Cold meals: Eating cold food helps keep your body temperature low. Eat cold soups or watermelon salads and avoid using microwaves and other electronics which radiate heat.

4.Turn off lights:

Written by Madiha Boolani, Four Green Steps.com

Forgot to apply sunscreen? Too much sun exposure left your skin burnt and red and you in pain? Try these natural remedies to get relief from sunburns.

1. Aloe Vera: Most sunscreens and after sun lotions contain aloe vera since the plants antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties provide relief from sunburns. Aloe vera gel applied helps provide a cooling effect and soothes the burnt skin.
2. Vitamin E oil: Vitamin E oil applied on sunburns helps relieve pain since the vitamin helps moisturize the skin. Both vitamins E and C have been shown in studies to work as a preventive measure against sunburn because the vitamins act as antioxidants to heal sunburn that is a result of oxidative damage to skin cells.
3. Vinegar bath: Vinegar bath is a famous home remedy for sunburn. Vinegar serves as an antiseptic and helps to cool the skin as it evaporates.
4. Ice: Ice or a cold shower help cool the skin and make it feel better. Be careful